Arizona Cardinals receiver Zay Jones has been suspended without pay for the first five games of the season due to a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy, as announced by the league on Friday.
While the NFL has not provided specific details regarding the suspension, it marks a significant setback for Jones.
In 2023, Jones faced a misdemeanor battery charge in Florida following a custody dispute with the mother of his child, during which he allegedly left scratches on her neck. This charge was later dropped in March.
At 29 years old, Jones is set to return for the Cardinals’ game against Green Bay on October 13.
The Cardinals had high hopes when they signed the veteran wide receiver to a one-year deal in May, aiming to bolster their roster alongside rookies Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch.
In 2022, Jones enjoyed a standout season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, recording 82 receptions for 823 yards and five touchdowns. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound athlete was selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.
In a related development, Los Angeles Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson has also been suspended without pay for the first two games of the season, again for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
The league’s announcement on Friday did not elaborate on the circumstances surrounding Jackson’s suspension.
Jackson played a crucial role for the Rams last season, starting 15 games and participating in a playoff match. He has been a key player for Los Angeles since Andrew Whitworth’s retirement, although he missed half of the 2022 season due to blood clots in his leg.
Returning on a one-year contract after signing his restricted free agent tender worth $4.89 million, Jackson’s absence will be felt as the Rams prepare for their season opener.
Joe Noteboom is expected to step in for Jackson during the suspension. Noteboom, who received a three-year, $40 million extension in 2022, was previously the starting left tackle before Jackson took over the position.
Jackson will miss the Rams’ opening games against Detroit and Arizona, but he is eligible to return for the home opener in Week 3 against San Francisco.
Additionally, the Rams will be without backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for the first two games. He is serving a suspension for a mistake in his application for a therapeutic use exemption for an unspecified substance during his time with Las Vegas.
